Birmingham Headteacher reacts to new school dinner rules
A Headteacher in Birmingham says he welcomes the government's new rules to make school dinners healthier.
Peter Lee, Headteacher at Q3 Academy Langley, in Oldbury, says he welcomes the government's new rules around school dinners.
The Department for Education has announced that deep-fried food will be banned, while there will be an increase in fresh fruit and vegetable choices, under their changes.
In what the government has called the biggest shake-up to school dinners in England in over a decade, they hope that introducing more nutritional options will help reduce childhood obesity, while improving children's concentration and wellbeing.
Mr Lee, who has been working in education for over 25 years, says the new rules are needed:
"I think the way we do food in schools isn't very good.
"It's very 'grab and go'.
"We've let it become this thing where lots of children will grab something at break time, then won't eat at lunch time."
The Headteacher says, across his career, he's seen students eat pizza, or chicken burgers, or cookies every day.
Since joining Q3 Academy Langley ten years ago, Mr Lee explains his school has actively adopted a nutritious menu, similar to the government's new food standards.
He says they have noticed a positive difference in their students' behaviour and energy levels, since feeding them a more balanced diet.
The updated food standards will be funded through existing money for schools, the government have said.
The changes will include an increase in fibre and wholegrains, while breakfast clubs will have to follow nutrition rules for the first time.
After the changes come into effect from 2027, schools will be required to publish menus and food policies online with monitoring arrangements set to be developed alongside the Food Standards Agency.